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Drama in Three Acts, 



I. WOLFF RICHARDS. 



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Drama in Three Acts, 



I. WOLFF RICHARDS. 



CHARACTERS:' 

A Spanish Jew fleeinx. from the Inquisition. 
-------An Adventurer. 

- - Pirate OF THE Caxibbean Ska. 
Captain of the galleon '• Nuevo Mundo." 

- - - Secret Agent of Baldomero Montes. 

- - - - Overseer of the Pirates' SLAves. 

Slaves. 



MAURICIO ALVAREZ, 

ROBERTO TALAVERA, 

BALDOMERO MONTES, 

DIEGO DELAMAR, 

MIGUEL FRANXIA, - 

RAMON VEGA, - 

IGVACIO AMADOR, | 

EVAKISTO OBREGON, | 

Carlos, Juan, Alberto, Antonio, Emilio P. uro and Fra Cisco,— Sailors. Pirates, 

Slaves, &c. 
Estela Alvarez, ___---- Daughter of M.^uricio. 

Angelina Montes - - - - - - - , -^ Wife of Baldomero. 

Duende, - - - - - A C/iRiB maiden, pet slave of Angelina Montes. 



m Time of Play, End of the Sixteenth Century. 

^ ACT I. — Scene ; Deck of the Nuevo Mundo at early morning, off the Island of St. Thomas 

H in the Lesser Antilles. 

^: ACT II.— Scene ; Battlements of the Pirates' Castle, with a view of the harbor, on 

M opposite side of which is a hill surmounted by a cross. 

& ACT III. — Scene ; the Refuge. A Plateau on the mountain side, at the back of which 

^ rises a practical eminence surmounted by a cross ; on one side must be shown the 

M ^ harbor and hill with pirates' castle, as if spot were exactly opposite to Scene II. 



THE REFUGE. 



ACT I— Scene : Deck of the Nuevo Mundo. Robeeto 
Talaveea and Miguel Francia discoveeed. 
Fkancia at the Helm. 

Talavera — You have reckoned well, Francia! 

Francia— Be ready, Talavera, to give the signal, when 
the ship passes yonder headland. 

Talavera — Do you mean the one surmounted by a massive 
wooden cross ? Strange symbol that, for a land given over 
to the scenes you have described. 

Francia— m\a.i spot is called " The Refuge." The cross 
was planted by some sailors from Columbus' ship when 
first the land was visited by Spaniards. Within its shadow, 
none of our men, not even the bold Montes, dare venture, 
for once a victim of his avarice, escaping from the guard, 
fled for safety towards this cliff. He reached the Christian 
symbol, and, being nigh spent to death, flung his arms about 
it and called to Heaven for help. His enraged pursuers 
were upon him, recapture certain, when, of a sudden, a huge 
dark cloud shot o'er the clear sky, the thunder rolled among 
the hills, the lightning flashed as though it meant to scorch 
its way into the very bowels of the earth, which indeed, 
must have opened at that instant, for in amazement they 
beheld a figure clad in spotless white, with an angelic face, 
who, stretching forth her perfect arms, commanded them 
away. Seized with a nameless horror, they turned and fled, 
and told their comrades of the spirit dwelling by the cross, 
who arose from out the earth to save their victim. I needs 
must shudder when I think of it. 

TrtZai7era— What, men of blood like you overcome by 
fancy — bah! 

Francia — I'll face any danger that man may offer, but not 
that, which belongs to a higher sphere. 



Talavera — Had you reflected but a little, the vision may 
Eave proved an earthly one. I have not braved what you 
have, and know not how my courage will serve, but 

Frandcc — Quick now ! hoist the pennant, and -run it up 
and down in quick succession for a dozen times. 

Talavera — 'Tis scarcely time ; we are not near enough. 

Francia — We are just right ; see yonder battlements 
reared upon those rocks, just opposite the Eefuge? 

Talavera — Half hidden by the trailing vines '^ 

Francia — Aye ! within those walls our hardy band lies 
waiting. 

Talavera — And their boats ? 

Francia — Strain well your eyes, and you will see them in 
the shadow, the cliff throws upon the water. Up with the 
signal ! 

Talavera draws the pennant up and down the 
masthead quickly. 

Talavera — Are we noticed ? 

Francia — Not yet, may fate ordain, the captain come not 
upon the deck for a short time. Ah ! we are answered, our 
signal's understood. Now let those on board tbe Nuevo 
Mundo pray, if ever they learned how ; their doom is 
sealed. 

Talavera — Will you sail directly to the shore ? 

Francia— l^di,j ; for should we get under lea of those high 
rocks, the sails will lose their breeze and flap against the 
mast. 

Talavera— Kn^ that might rouse the captain earlier than 
we expected. 

Francia — I'll head out to sea again, then tack, and so lose 
time. Our brave boats will overtake us, and the ship be 
ours. 

Francia turns tiller and looks at cabin door. 

Francia — Hush ! here comes my prize. 
Talavera (angrily) — The girl ? 
Franxiia— The same. 



Talavera — Francia, no harm must come to her. 

Francia — She is mine 

Talavera — Practise cruelty on men who can strike back 
and I will say nothing, but remember, Francia, the girl is 
sacred. 

Francia — How now, Talavera ? Upon the outset, you 
would pick a quarrel ; remember our compact. 

Talavera — I have kept it. The rich father and his wealth 
are in your grasp. Here I stand ready by your side to risk 
my very life in the obtaining of it if needs be, but I will not 
see the girl harmed. I swear it by all the good I have 
rooted from my nature. Eemember. 

Francia — No more. Here comes the girl. 

Enter from cabin Mauricio and Estela Alvarez. 

Estela (joyously)— Praise Heaven ! we are in sight of land 
at last. 

Alvarez — May this land prove kinder than the one we left 
and grant a place, poor little wanderer, where we can be at 
peace. No fearful visions of the Inquisition can pale your 
gentle face here. What joy is in the sight — a promise of 
brighter days, a haven for the persecuted. 

Estela — So may it prove, dear father ; and see ! as if to 
welcome us, boats put from shore and sturdy arms impel 
them onwards. See now ! white sails are hoisted and a 
merry race begun. 

Alvarez — Our hearts bound at this glad sight like those of 
prisoners who have gained their freedom ; no more we'll 
show a masked countenance to mankind, but live in private 
as our fathers did at home before the birth of that unhappy 
edict. 

Estela— li only those unhappy ones, who wandered off to 
drop and die upon their weary road, had fared as we shall 
fare. 

Alvarez — Eemember, girl, we are the pioneers of this grand 
movement. You know I have great wealth, concealed on 
board this ship, with which to purchase land, before I call 
from home those families, who, unable to bear with fortitude 



the great privations of those cast forth from Spain, assumed, 
as we did, the semblance of another faith. 

Estela — The time they longed and prayed for is at handy 
from this distance we can see the promise of the soil. See 
how vegetation carpets all the hills, wafting its luxuriant 
scent, over the waters, to my enraptured senses. 

Alvarez — I'll rouse the Captain to the glorious sight. 
[Calls at cabin door.] What ! Captain ! come on deck. 

Enter from cabin Captain Diego Delamar. 

Capt. D. — The storm has blown over, exhaustion made me 
sleep longer than I had intended. Why call you, sir? 

Alvarez — My faithful Captain, to share our greeting to the 
New World. See the green hills of promise and the boats 
that dance upon the waves, sweet messengers of welcome. 

Capt. D. — These should be the hills of Hispaniola on our 
left and Porto Eico on our right. 

Goes to side of vessel and looks off, starts as if 
affrighted. 

We are out of our course and have sailed to the East 
instead of West. This is not the land we should be passing. 

Alvarez — Our good captain is by custom rendered in- 
different to the scene. 

Capt. D. (musing to himself)— Francia and Talavera, the 
only two on deck. Can they be traitors to me ? 

Estela Alvarez leans over bulwarks as if observ- 
ing approach of boats. Mauricio Alvarez 
regards captain with astonishment. 

Alvarez — What moves you, captain ? 
Capt. D. — Hush ! Come on one side, I would say some- 
thing the lady must not hear. 

(They cross to other side of deck.) 

Alvarez — Your looks are full of mystery. Does danger 
threaten us? 

Capt. I).— An awful danger, and naught can save us but 
the utmost coolness and courage. 



Alvarez — From what source arises your apprehension ? 

Capt. D. — Those boats, that seem so welcome in your eyes, 
are filled with human tigers, followers of the black-hearted 
Montes of the Virgin group of Islands. 

Alvarez — Impossible ! I cannot think it. 

Capt. D. — Beware your looks, and seem not to be startled, 
for as I live, Francia and Talavera, who have watched 
and steered whilst I slept, have purposely put the Nuevo 
Mundo from out her course. 

Alvarez — Then seize, and 

Capt D. — Hush ! They are Montes' agents, and I have 
been duped, as others were before me. 

Alvarez — Then summon up the crew and 

Capt. D. — How far the crew is tainted by their treason, I 
have no means of telling. I must devise a way of taking 
hold the helm ere they suspect my fearful knowledge. 

Alvarez — God of my fathers ! my daughter, my sacred 
trust ! 

Caft D. — My unhappy master ! I have betrayed you by 
yielding to fatigue. 

Alvarez — Have mercy, oh my God ! Think of the trouble 
Thy servant has endured already for the sake of Thy Name 
and his faith in the creed of his fathers. Turn not the 
gentle warmth of hope into the chill of despair. Oh, 
captain ! think not of me, but tell me how to save her. 

Capt. D — Mask your tremor behind a bold front, and when 
I have gained possession of the helm I'll do my best to dis- 
tance them. 

Alvarez — Together we can suddenly overpower those at 
the helm ; let me assist, ere they suspect 

Capt. D. — Not so, alone I'll boldly order them below. If 
none among the crew are won over to their side they dare 
not disobey me, if otherwise 

Alvarez — What then ? 

Capt. D. — I fear out fate is sealed ; still, should they dis- 
obey my orders, I'll dagger them ere they know my purpose 
Now go quietly towards your daughter. 



6 

Mauricio Alvarez joins his daughter. Captain 
Delamar approaches the two at the helm. 

Capt. T>. — Go below anf^ send up Carlos to the helm. You 
are both overworked and need rest. 

Francia — I feel fresh, sir, and can still remain at my post, 
you are more in need of it, I pray you sleep again. 

Capt. D. — Go on the instant, both of you, your eyelids 
droop so that you see not the vessel's course, leave me the 
helm and send up Carlos. Go both ! I command it ! 

Feels under his doublet with one hand and 
grasps tiller with other. 

Francia and Talavera yield and exit at forward 
hatch. 

Alvarez — Child, Heaven's wrath pursues us even here, we 
have fled from danger, but to meet with greater. 

Esiela — Alas ! what threatens now ? 

Alvarez — Beam not from your eyes, soft glances of wel- 
come on yon boats, for should they reach our ship, a fate 
awaits us worse than death. 

Mstela — What fate can be harder than the one we have 
left behind ? 

Alvarez — Had we faced that' our bodies may, indeed, have 
suffered torture, which our minds, firm in their belief, would 
have borne us up against. 

^s^e?a— Not alone the torture would we have faced, but 
the mocking crowd deriding our misery and scoffing our no- 
blest thoughts. 

Alvarez — At least they, who there inflicted suffering, did 
so in religion's name, and were men of conscience were they 
ever so cruel. 

Estela — Conscience, aye ! inasmuch that when they saw 
our wills unalterable, they mercifully gave us death. 

Alvarez — Aye! but they, who every moment gain upon us, 
are men lost to the very name of humanity. No beast that 
haunts the wildest jungle can compare with man's ferocity, 
when once the fire of conscience is wholly quenched within 



him, and for your honor, dearer to me than your life, I 
tremble. 

Estela — But why despair ? Have we not brave men on 
board, and arms ? Speak to the captain ; bid him rouse the 
crew. 

Oapt. D. — Our greater safety lies in speed. They, who 
pursue, outnumber us a score to one. If overtaken, we are 
doomed. 

Alvarez — At least we are men and can sell our lives 
dearly. The wretches will not hesitate to slay us, but if 
they lay hands upon my jewel, pure and unstained, radiant 
in her beauty, what will become of her ? 

Estela — Let the weak resort to cunning, and since danger 
doubles fol* my sex, let me assume man's garb and pass for 
your son. 

Alvarez — This is against our Holy Law. 

Estela — But we have not in these days, as of old, wise men 
who can commune with God and teach His bidding. The 
wisest of us can but think with earthly power ; above this 
earth, we none of us can soar. 

Alvarez — You are as wise as you are pure, and faithful to 
God's law, and I am sure, your honor being at stake, the 
means proposed will be acceptable. But where to find the 
dress ? 

Estela — I have it in my chest. 

Alvarez— ^YibX ! A suit of man's clothing 1 

Estela — A memory of that poor martyred one of your own 
father's family, dragged behind the frowning walls of the 
Inquisition, despite his youth. 

Alvarez — And whose history and bright example have been 
as a rock of strength, for any of our family when faced with 
danger. 

Estela — Oft have I wet the graceful garments with my 
tears, when none were near to see me. 

Alvarez — Perhaps 'twas God's own provision, for the part 
you have to play. 

Estela — I'll quickly put it on. 



Alvarez — Quick ! Quick ! Clii3 short your raven locks 
and join me, that if we die we enter Heaven's gates to- 
gether. 

[Estela exits into cabin.] 

Capt. D. — As long as these good boards remain together, 
your treasure is well hidden, be our pursuers as sharp as 
wolves or cunning as foxes, I warrant they can never bring 
that to light. 

Alvarez — But their habit is to fire any ship that comes in 
their possession. 

Oapt. D. — The Nuevo Mundo will be a boon to them, 
and though their hideous flag will float, where now waves 
the proud ensign of Spain, as long as they leave the ship in- 
tact, let your hope live to recover it some day. 

Alvarez — Do they gain upon us 1 

Qaft D. — Aye, their light craft scud through the waters 
like hounds upon the forest game. 

Alvarez — We must be bold enough to fight. 

Capt i>.— 'Tis the only chance that's left, pray play the 
boatswain part awhile, and summon up the crew, name by 
name, as I shall call them out. 

Alvarez — Consider for the time, that I am as one beneath 
you, and order as you seem fit. 

[Goes to forward hacth.] 

Capt. D. Call Carlos, the villains have not sent him. 
Alvarez — (Calling down hatch). Carlos ! 

[Carlos comes on deck.] 

Capt. i).— Call Juan ! 

Alvarez — (As before). Juan ! 

[Juan comes on deck..] 

Capt. X>.— Call Alberto ! 
Alvarez — Alberto ! 

[Alberto comes on deck.] 

Capt. D. — Antonio ! 



Alvarez — Antonio ! 

[Antonio comes on deck]. 

Capt D. — Emelio, Pedro, Francisco, Enrique. 
Alvarez — Emilio, Pedro, Francisco, Enrique. 

[They come on deck.] 

Capt. D. — Men, have you the hearts of Spaniards ? Love 
you our coud try's flag. Dare you defend its honor ? 

[Sailors cheer " aye" in unison.] 

Capt. D. — Look athwart our quarter at yonder craft, 
your trained eyes can tell their nature at a glance. 

Carlos — Holy Madonna ! We are undone. 

Juan — To arms ! 

Capt. D. — Ha brave fellows! We shall welcome them with 
blows that stagger. 

Carlos — Command us, Captain ! 

Juan — We will resist unto the death ! 

Capt. D. — Carlos, to the helm ! Keep the ship headed 
for yonder point of land, Juan and Alberto, haul out the 
cannon on either port, the rest seize on spikes and stand 
ready to repel the villains. 

[They obey the captain's orders, hauling out the cannon 
and arming themselves with spikes, kept in a rack around 
the mast.] 

Capt. D. — (To Mauricio Alvarez). Kemain upon the deck 
and urge the men, I'll below, and with the help of those we 
have not summoned, place both those villains in irons. 

Alvarez — That done, return with the others to aid in the 
defence. 

[Captain exits at forehatch.] 

Alvarez — (To the men). Spain, thou art the mother of 
the valiant ; in each brave eye I see a stern resolve, in each 
set face, there is reflected the dazzling glow of patriotism to 
our flag and to humanity. The worst that can befall such 



10 

men is the end that heroes hope for ; stand firm, brave fel- 
lows, and we are delivered. 

Enter from cabin, Estela Alvarez dressed as a 
boy, armed with a cutlass. 

Estela — My father, behold thy son ! 

Alvarez — Ha ! Cans't thou assume so well, but what 
meanest thou by this vile weapon ? Your slight hand shall 
not be bruised by its rough hilt ; give that to me. 

Estela — Nay, shall I reserve no defense ? 

Alvarez — My God ! You have, it seems, the courage of a 
man. What means that lurking mischief in your eye bright 
as the Orient ? Speak ! What would you with this 
weapon ? 

Estela — To slay no man, nor yet unsex myself, but think 
you, my father, I can forget your blood is in my veins, and 
when 'tis necessary to choose between that dread alternative 
of dishonor and death, should my disguise fail to screen me,, 
think you, I'll hesitate ? 

Alvarez— 0\\^ Spain! Spain! Couldst thou but know 
the spirit of those cast forth from thy bosom ! My noble 
child, my sweet Estela, give me that weapon. 

[Takes cutlass from her.] 

Estela (aside) — Within my bosom I have concealed a 
smaller weapon. 

Alvarez — Should it please Heaven that you escape this 
trying hour unscathed, remember girl, the treasure I have 
guarded as my life, that which I hold in trust for the per- 
secuted ones in Spain, lies concealed beneath the boarding 
of the hold, just where the foremast is stepped in the keel. 

Estela — 1 will remember. 

Alvarez — My private wealth, much smaller than the other, 
but valuable for thy sake, to make assured your future wel- 
fare, is boarded up behind the wainscot of my berth in the 
cabin. 

[Captain's voice heard below.] 

Capt. Z).— Help ! Ah, I perish ! 



11 

Alvarez — What means that cry ? Treachery below. To 
his aid men. 

Men with spikes rush to forward hatch, from 
which enter Francia with bloody dagger, fol- 
lowed closely by Talavera. 

Alvarez — Seize upon those two. I'll hasten to the cap- 
Wn. 

[Exits down hatch.] 

Carlos — Man the bulwarks, men, they are near at hand. 

Sailors mount on bulwarks, raising their spikes. 

Talavera (to Francia)— Inhuman coward, to strike down a 
brave man in that way. 

Francia — Fool ! Have you lost your wits ? 'Tis rather 
late now for such moralizing, our boats are on us. If at 
this moment you weaken and turn false, your life shall 
answer for it. (Looking around.) Where has that pretty 
little bird concealed herself ? 

Talavera — Francia, take care. Think of the solemn oath 
I've taken as regards the girl. 

Francia — A plague on all your oaths, I care nothing for 
them. I'll search out my prize in the face of all your 
threats. 

Looks around and walks aloiig deck, followed as 
before by Talavera. Clash of arms and rattling 
of chains heard, mingled with men's shouts, as 
if pirates were climbing up sides of vessel. 
Francia springs on bulwarks. 

Francia — Ha ! brave comrades, they are here. We have 
gained our cause. 

Estda (before door of cabin) — Father ! Father ! Stand by 
me, they are upon us. 

Francia (leaping from bulwarks) — Ha ! I have found you 
out, my little captive, eh ! 

Kuns towards her, followed stealthily by 
Talavera. 



12 

Think you to fool me '( I see through that disguise, poor, 
silly thing. You are mine, and thus I take you. 

Lays hold of her, forcing her on her knees. 
Talavera throws his arms around Francia, 
from behind. 

Talavera — And thus I keep my oath ! 

Forces Francia over the rail into the sea, as 
Mauricio Alvarez rushes from forward hatch. 

Alvarez — Our noble Captain is slain. 

Talavera — Aye ! and you are my prisoner ; but fear not, 
say nothing, for I swear by all the holy saints to save you 
:and your daughter. 

Curtain. 



13 

ACT II. — Scene: Battlements of Montes' Castle. 
Ignacio Amadoe and Evaeisto Obeegon Dis- 
covEEED Cleaning up the Eampaets. 

Obregon — Amador, since it is the will of that accursed 
Vega that we be served short rations for our display of ill 
temper, I'll teach you a serviceable trick under the circum- 
stances. 

Amador — I know what you are about to say, Obregon. 

Obregon — What, my keen witted slave ? 

Amador — You would tell me to fill the gap in my stomach 
with fresh air, and thus stop the gnawing; an old joke, in 
faith, and I am in no humor for joking. 

Obregon — You wrong me, fresh air makes only a cold break- 
fast. I would bid you do as I am doing, tie your waist 
strings closer about you, and stop the air from getting in 
and then your stomach will feel warmer and more com- 
forted. 

Amador — What a man you are, to let even your misery 
serve as food for jest. 

Obregon — Our good time will come Amador, fear not; and 
if we pine away now, we cannot live to enjoy it, therefore 
laugh present sorrow away. 

Amador — I can't, my stomach is too empty ; accursed 
villians ! What have they done with that handsome boy 
they captured lately ? 

Obregon — The lady Montes keeps him in her service. 

Amador — Ah ! the lady Montes, that one bright light, 
amid the darkened souls of this infernal den . 

Obregon — Did you notice, Amador, the new lieutenant of 
the pirate, who came on board the Nuevo Mundo ? 

Amador — Aye ! I take good notice of each one of the 
infernal crew, so that if fortune change for us some day, I 
can bear true witness against them, and enjoy their hang- 
ing. 

Obregon — Nay, this same fellow has some secret purpose 
locked within him, he gazed at me on passing, and looked 
so earnestly, as if cogitating in this wise to himself — "I 



14 

wonder if this slave would have the courage to strike a blow 
for freedom." Know you, that hope has sprung up in my 
breast since his arrival? 

Amador— Sh ! Speak lower, remember the length of that 
accursed Vega's ears, if you have reason for the hope, and 
any of the villians overheard you 

A loaf of bread is hurled from an abutment in 
the battlements, and strikes Amador in the 
back. 

Amaior — (Straightening up in alarm ;) Oh ! I am slain. 

Oh'egon — Nay, this is not a death dealing instrument, 
but life giving bread. (Picks it up ) 

Amador (eagerly)— Br — br — bread ! Did you say bread? 
Halves, if you love me, Obregon! 

Obregon (looking around in wonder) — Does Heaven drop 
food to the starved from the skies? Wherever did it come 
from ? 

Amador — Nay, our wits will be in better condition for the 
solving of that mystery when we have fortified our stom- 
achs. Fall to, Obregon, fall to, and appease your craving. 

Obregon breaks loaf in two and gives half to 
Amador. They cram their mouths full, eating 
ravenously for a few seconds. 

Obregon (suddenly coughing and sputtering. Amador 
pounds him on back) — Hola! what's here? 

[Draws paper out of his mouth.] 

Amador— A paper, as 1 hope for mercy, and just like the 
wraps we have for drugs and medicines in Spain. 

Obregon— ^Twas embedded in the bread. 

Amador — This in some trick of that cold-hearted wretch 
Eamon. 

Obregon — What mean you, Amador? 

[Examines ~ paper.] 



15 

Amador — That wrap contained some drug with which 
the bread is poisoned. He would kill a slave for the sport 
of witnessing his torture. 

Ohregon — Bah! You are nervous. 

Amador — He will be here presently to laugh at our 
agony. Be not incredulous. I have sharp pains within — I 
thought it due to the sudden overloading of my stomach, 
but it s clear to me now. 

Passes his hands up and down, ruefully over his 
stomach. 

Ohregon— Hhi^ paper has writing on it. Have you for 
gotten how to read. 

Amador— TYiBi I have not. Give me the paper. 

Obregon passes it to him. He reads: 

"I am not what I seem, but may accomplish 
your freedom if you are willing to aid me. If 
willing, when you see me cross my fingers to 
you in passing, make the same signal in re- 
turn " 

Ohregon — What is the signature to the paper ? 

Amador — No signature at all. 

Ohregon — It matters not ; my life on it, it is the writing of 
the new lieutenant. He has thrown us this bread with more 
purposes than one. Eat, Amador, and gain strength. 

Amador — I eat thankfully in faith. 

Ohregon — Ha! ha! Tear that note up in tiny bits, and 
throw it to the wind. 

Amador — Aye ! aye ! presently, when we descend to the 
yard, so no fragments can be found. 

Ohregon — Ha! ha! You are not half so downcast as you 
were a moment since. 

Amador — Ha! ha! 

Ohregon — No sharj) pains, within, eh! Ha! ha! 

Amador— "^ol eh! yes! That isj they hatie left me as 
suddenly as they came. 



16 

Ohregon — The bread was only poisoned with a little hope, 
that's all. Nothing more is to be done here. Take up your 
water-pail, and let us descend to the yard. 

[Eests his water-pail on bulwarks] 

Talavera enters from behind abutment and crosses 
his fingers to them. They return the signal. 
Talavera exits in castle. 

Obregon — 'Tis as I thought, Amador. 

Amador — Heaven be praised for it, Obregon. There is 
that wretch, Kamon, leaning against the wall below us. 

[Points over bulwarks.] 

Obregon — I have a measure or two of water left in my 
pail. Shall I shower it on him. 

Amador — Art mad? Have you no sense ? 'Twill be the 
death of us. 

Ohregon — Nay, he sees us not, and 'tis only a very mild 
revenge for our fast. 

[Empties pail over bulwark. Shouts from below.] 

Amador — Fly for your life, he is bounding up the steps 
like a tiger. This way. 

They run off. Enter Baldomero Montes and 
Eoberto Talavera from castle, Ramon Yega 
from centre. 

Montes — Vega, remain within call, I shall need you in s\, 
moment. 

Vega — Saw you any slaves here? 

3Iontes — None. Have any fled ? 

Nega — They hurled their filthy water within an inch of 
me. I will be in the castle. 

[Exits in castle.] 

Montes — I have been duped by that accursed Francia, and 
would this hand had been the means of hurling him to 
death. 



17 

Talavera — What word was it he sent you out from Spain? 

Monies — He promised this should be the richest prize I 
had ever taken, and save the Neuvo Mundo, which in itself 
is worth the killing of a dozen men, I have nothing but a 
few miserable slaves. By the saints! I have never seen 
men fight so valiantlj^ to save so little. 

Talavera — I am no less a dupe than you are. 

Monies — How fell you in with Francia? 

Talavera — It was in Cadiz. As you can fancy, my life 
has not led strictly in the paths of honor. I had just been 
thrown upon the world from out of prison. 

MonUs —Without the means of living, I suppose? 

Talavera — I knew not where to look for food or shelter, 
and wandering to the shipping I met Francia. 

Montis ~A.rvd he broached the enterprise at once '? 

Talavera — No ; he gave me money for my wants, and ply- 
ing me with wine, won me to his side. 

Monies— Kudi in what way were you to aid his scheme % 

Talavera— T>i^gm.^ed. as an officer of the Inquisition, I was 
to present myself at the house of Alvarez, the Jew, who 
lived, ostensibly, a Catholic. ' 

Blonies — And urge him to this journey ? 

Talavera —Aye, by swearing that he had been betrayed, 
and that the Inquisitors were on his track. He at once em- 
barked upon the Nuevo Mundo, and Francia, who had shipped 
as mate, se::ured for me a berth on board. 

Monies— HYie rest you left to fortune 'I 

Talavera — We did, and fortune seemed to favor us. A 
storm arose, the crew worked so that they fell from sheer 
exhaustion, the Captain as soon as danger ceased slept 
soundly, and Francia altered the course of the Nuevo Mundo 
some forty miles and steered her to this stronghold. 

Monies — And this fabulous wealth that Francia so often 
spoke about in his letters ? 

Talavera — That which the Jews of Spain entrusted to Al- 
varez to purchase land with in Guiana? 

Monies — The same. 



18 

Talavera — 'Tis clear the Jew must have altered his plans 
legarding that, and left it in Spain ; still there's a way to 
get at it. 

Monies — Make known the way. I tire of this place, and 
am constantly importuned by my consort to return again to 
Spain or some other part of Europe. 

Talavera — Had you seized this fortune you might have 
humored her, and lived forever in the utmost luxury. 

3Iontes-^You seem a man of fertile brain, and say this 
fortune can still be wrung from Alvarez. Now let me hear 
your plans. 

Talavera — Then summon here the Jew and his devoted 
son. I have seen them cling together so, I know they share 
but one spiritual life; no sacrifice would be too great for 
either one to make to save the other. 

Monies — What would you do with them? 

Talavera — Bid the younger find his way again to Spain 
in my company, holding his father here for ransom, until all 
of this great wealth is safe within our hands. The youngster 
will never fail to find it, I warrant you, and I will bear it 
safely hither. 

Monies — You have indeed a brain that works, but my plan 
is better. 

Talavera — Let me hear it. 

Monies — "We will hold the youth for ransom, and send the 
father back to Spain. 

Talavera — Nay, hear me I 

Monies — I know enough of human nature to feel assured, 
the love we bear our offspring is a thousand times more 
powerful than that our offsprings give in turn. 

Talavera — You misjudge the boy. I tell you • 

Monies — My way is clear. You have found the means, but 
the manner of their carrying out shall be as I wish. 

Talavera — But I tell you 

Monies— 1 am commander here. Undertake to tell me 
nothing when once my mind is bent. 
Talavera — But my way is surer. 



19 

Monies— My way shall be carried out ; and so, for a short 
time, I leave you. I will have the father sent up from the 
beach, where he is at work. As for that lily-flavored boy, 
useless save as ornament. He comes this way together with 
my consort, who fancies all that's pretty, and seizes on it as 
her right. 

[Exits.] 

Talavera conceals himself behind abutment of 
the battlements. Enter from castle Estela Al- 
varez and Angelina Montes. 

Angelina^Foor boy ! your sighs find entrance to my long- 
ing heart and waft my thoughts to happier days. 

Estela— Oh. I surely lady, you who can yet prove gentle 
'mid these grim surroundings are capable of being won from 
them. 

Angelina — Had I your spirit, it may have been different 
with me, 

Estela — But, however came you here 'i 

Angelina — A captive like yourself, I sailed from Spain 
to join my father in the New World, where he had acquired 
from the government large tracts of land ; our vessel was 
attacked as yours, and I was brought to this stronghold a 
slave awaiting ransom. 

Estela — I know you are of gentle birth ; and for your 
breeding, it could grace a palace. How were it possible you 
could wed a ruffian ? 

Angelina — Nay, blame me not. Alone and helpless, I as- 
sumed at first the cloak of deep reserve ; but he loved me in 
his own fierce manner and with a warmth that shamed the 
tropic sun. 

Estela — And as the Arctic winds you should have met this 
love. 

Angelina — Alas ! I could not. We are creatures made un- 
consciously to weld ourselves to habit and fulfill a destiny. 
Cut off from the world my heart desired still to be of use to 
some one, in obedience to that strange insistence of our 
Creator, who gave us these desires with our breath. 



20 

Estela — You have the genius to excuse your fault. 

Angelina — Ah ! boj, another in my place would chide you 
for your presumptions tongue, but I love you for it, you re- 
mind me ever of the cavaliers of noble birth at home, your 
aims seem high, your will a marvel, you are the very pic- 
ture of courage softened by rare beauty. 

Estela — I place my faith on High and therefore find this 
courage, you could have found the means to serve your fel- 
low man and still not linked your life with one of Montes' 
stamp. 

Angelina - Nay ! that I could not Thiuk you, apart, 1 could 
have gained so great an influence upon his heart ; and do I 
not use this power to counteract by all the good I can ac- 
complish, his evil acts ; am I not of use to you ? 

Estela — Aye, sweet lady, you saved me for your page. 

Angelina — When, perhaps, they would have scorched that 
white face, in the sun's hot rays upon the beach, at labor, 
such as those soft hands were never made to • 

Estela — And as they have done to my unhappy father. 

[Covers her face with her hands.] 

Angelina— 'Be patient, boy, I have sworn to aid you ; and I 
have seen my chieftain raging in temper like the hurricane, 
and with a look or touch, I have soothed him into calmness. 

Estela— And you will mend my father's sad condition. 

Angelina— I will try, my boy ; but storms among these men 
arise as suddenly as the October gales, and therefore, what I 
tell you now, divulge to no one save your father. 

Estela — I will obey you. 

Angelina — Should your life be threatened and your limbs 
unchained, fly with your might along the path that winds up 
yonder hill. Pause not for breath until you reach the cross 
that stands upon the summit, cling to that cross, and not a 
man among this band, be he ever so valorous in battle or 
bloody in the massacre, will dare lay hands upon you. 

Estela. — Impossible ! The cross in my eyes, stands as a 
symbol of unjust and cruel persecution. It has been carried 
at the head of crowds, eager to stain the pure sod of my 



21 

country, red with my peoples blood, and death I'll welconae 
many times, ere I cling to it for life. 

Angelina. — But here it will prove your savior,, and so 
balance the fearful debt it owes you. 

Estela. — I thank you, lady ; but know, I set my faith in a 
power, higher and greater than a mere symbol of this earth. 
No more can I be saved by the wooden cross, than by a tree or 
post, for it is invested with no spirit, and can answer no 
petition. 

Angelina — You are wrong, and speak idly ; a spirit does 
pervade it, and has saved already a Christian life and can 
save yours, if you will trust it. I have told you ; 
and if ever in extremity, and will use your knowl- 
edge, then you are surely saved. Some slaves approach ; to 
see them is to pity them and harrow up the soul. I leave 
you here, for among the rest, I see your father. 

[Exits.] 

Enter Mauricio Alvarez in slaves attire, led by 
Eamon Vega and two of the guards. 

Vega — Stand here until I call for you. 
[Exits with guards.] 

Kstela — (Rushing to Alvarez ) My father ! 

Alvarez — My beloved child ! how farest thou ? 

E4ela— Well in health, but tortured in the mind, thinking 
of you at your slavish labor in the day, and in your cheer- 
less dungeon in the night, and every prayer my brain could 
form, and my faltering tongue give utterance, have I offered 
up for your relief. 

Alvartz — Would we both had died upon the Nuevo 
Mundo. 

jKsfeZa— Not so, for hope still lives in me. 

Alvarez — But I despair, for escape is impossible. 

Ustela —Aye ! but even in this place, humanity still sways 
the heart of one, and I've been promised aid for you. 

Alvarez — By whom ? 

Estela — The chieftain's wife. 



22 

Alvarez — Has she procured for us this meeting ? 
Estela — I know not why you have been brought hither. 

Talavera comes from behind the abutment. 

Talavera — That I can make known to you. 

Alvarez — Dog ! I'll not listen to you, you are a traitor, 
false to your oath, your manhood blasted by as foul a sin as 
ever merited contempt and death; mock not my helplessness 
with your presence ; begone ! 

Talavera — How have I deserved this tirade at your 
hands. 

Alvarez — Think not to deceive these eyes that have 
pierced the mists of secrets, black as night, and more pro- 
found than any you can plan for execution. 

Talavera — I do not understand. 

Alvarez — You are the one who bade me fly from Cadiz. 
Spite of the disguise you wore, I know you now. 

Talavera — I deny it not, but t'was done to save you. 

Alvarez — Had that been so, you would have needed no 
disguise. 

Talavera — Know you not, that he who warns a heretic, 
forfeits his own life to the Inquisition ? 

Alvai^ez — Pretend not basely to good motives ; that was 
but the preface to the greater misery you did plot to betray 
me into. 

Talavera — (Hotly.) Nay ! now you say what's false. 

Alvarez — Can you thus heap insult upon the victim of your 
plotting ; nay then, if I die for it, I will throw you headlong' 
from the battlements. 

[Seizes Talavera.] 

Talavera — I resist only to save you— (breaks away) — I 
swear 

Alvarez — No more of oaths ! If earnest in them you would 
have fulfilled the one so basely uttered on the Nuevo Mundo. 

Estela — And partly fulfilled already. Be just and patient, 
my father ; is it not within his power to make our lot a 
thousand times more dreadful ? 



23 

Alvarez — He has done his very worst. 

Estela — Eemember, he knows the secret of my sex, which, 
he has not betrayed. 

Alvarez - He reserves that for a future torture. 

Estela— ^ui forget not that brave act of his which saved 
me from the lascivious Francia. 

Alvarez - Done with some motive that as yet we cannot see.. 

Talavera — I will make known the motive, that your fears 
may be at rest - a motive than which no stronger can be 
named. 

Alvarez — And that is 

Talavera — Love ! 

Alvarez — [Scornfully] Love ! What love can you feel, and 
for whom ? 

Talavera— llYie love that any honest man can feel for a 
noble woman, and the love I feel is for your daughter. 

^Zvareg — Serpent ! You love my pure child! You. 
dare 

Talavera— Ah. ! What will love not dare 'i 

Alvarez —Do you hear this monster, child ? Curl your 
proud lip at him that thy disdain may strike him dead. 
Wretch ! the wrath you have awakened in me, leaves my 
limbs quivering as though stricken by the palsy, I choke 
with rage and hatred, or I'd pluck forth the heart that dares, 
presume so high. 

Talavera — Hear me ! 

Alvarez — Child ! child ! pour forth thy eloquence to crush 
this mischief at its birth. 

Estela - [Demurely] My father ! 

Alvarez — Ha ! Thou speakest with voice subdued and 
tremulous, when thy tongue should cut and lash as woman's 
can when honor is assailed ; your eyes, that should dart fire 
and scorn, are downcast. What can this mean ? Speak ! 

Estela — Would you have me scorn one to whom I owe more 
than my life ? 

Alvarez —yLore than thy life! Has sorrow turned thy 
brain, or do I dream ? 



24 

Estela — Love is ever sacred in the eyes of God, and if we 
cannot meet it with an answering love, oh, let us not mock 
or curse it. 

Alvarez — Thou ploadest for this infidel ? Then must I 
suspect that all my former sorrow was but sport, compared 
with that which threatens now ! 

Estela — Fear not, my father. I know our holy law, and if 
my heart broke in obeying it, I would not falter. 

Alvarez— Yon lift a burden from me, heavier than any I 
have yet bent under. 

Talavera — Fear not danger at my hands. If you but knew 
me as I am, not what I seem, my presence would be more 
welcome to you. 

Alvarez — Why wear a mask to those powerless to harm 
you ? 

Talavera — If I reveal myself, and am overheard, or you 
betray me, I am lost. 

Estela— GoxAdie in us. I'll not believe but that you have 
a noble heart. 

Alvarez — I reserve my judgment till I hear your story. 
Talavera — But give me some assurance that what I entrust 
to you will be divulged to no one. 

Alvarez — I will hold it sacred, even though I doubt it. 
Talavera — I trust you. I am here a voluntary spy to dis- 
cover the whereabouts of a lady, a cousin of mine, some five 
years my senior, and who, leaving Spain to join her father in 
the New World, ten years ago, is supposed to have been 
captured by the pirates. 

Estela — I know you speak the truth, and Heaven may 
help me to find her for you. But go on. 

Talavera — I had never seen her, but her disappearance 
was the constant theme of conversation in our family. We 
appealed to King Philip's Court for assistance in the search 
in vain. Trouble was then brewing between Spain and 
England, and all the ships of war were kept at home. 

Estela — And Spain's ungrateful court deserted its true 
subject ! 



25 

Aiavyxz —Naught else caD be expected from that egotist, 
King Philip. 

Talavera — Seeing this and being fond of venture, I deter- 
mined to try singly for her rescue. 1 went to Cadiz, and 
pretending to be of mean birth, I wandered among the 
sailors of that port, and learned of the galleon Nuevo Mundo 
which expected to set sail within a week. 

Alvarez — But how came you to warn me of the In- 
quisition ? 

Talavera— Di^gm^edi as one in want, I met Francia, the 
mate, at the entrance of your house. We went to the tavern 
near by, and I wormed myself into his confidence. 

Estela — Was it he then who told you to come and warn 
us ? 

Talavera — It was. I knew not then his devilish purpose, 
but came hoping to save you, for I love not the Inquisition, 
though I am a Catholic. 

Estela— Bxxt how came you in the Nuevo Mundo ? 

Talavera — When I left you I rejoined Francia, and he 
made known to me the fact that he was Montes' agent. 

^Zyares— Andas Heaven hears you, you shipped on board 
in order to attempt this rescue ? 

Talavera — As Heaven is above me, I have told the truth. 

Estela — But why did you not warn us or the captain, of 
your knowledge ? ' 

Talavera — I feared 'twould foil my purpose. 

Estela — And you placed so many innocent souls in 
jeopardy ? 

Talavera — Had I betrayed thisFrancia, alone I could not 
have found the pirates lair. I had intended that once the 
harbor sighted, I would warn the captain, and dropping 
overboard have swum alone to shore. 

Estela — That would have been a daring feat. 

Talavera — But when I saw the speed with which their 
boats moved through the water I knew there was no hope, 
and knowing that I could do more good by passing for a 
pirate, I let events transpire as they did. 



26 

Alvarez — The bitterest curse of the unfortunate light on 
jour head if this is false, but if it be truth 

Talavera--! will prove the truth of it, with Heaven's help, 
I have planned already more than one way for our escape. 

Alvarez — Escape \ Is such a thing possible ? 

Talavera — Anything is possible to one determined as I 
am. But hush ! here comes the chieftain. Let him not 
suspect us, or all is lost. Whatever he bids you do 'twere 
well to follow. Eemember, on your discretion much de- 
pends. 

[Enter Montes.] 

Monies (to Alvarez)— So you are here ? Briefly, where is 
that wealth stored that rumor says the Jews of Spain en- 
trusted to you to buy lands in Guiana ? 

Alvarez- -Where none but I can find it 

Montes — 'Tis well, then, you have left it in Spain. This 
very night my men shall sail with you to Santa Cruz. You 
shall have money to pay your passage on a merchant ship, 
that will touch there two days hence. One year is the most 
I'll give you to return with all this wealth, and then you and 
your son shall be free. Come, what say you ? 

Alvarez — I am too feeble for the journey. Send my son 
iiastead, and I will direct him where to find it. 

Montes — You have betrayed the very love that proves the 
value of my bond. You will return to save your son though 
all the legions of hell oppose you. This offer is but a plan 
to save him, and you shall depart alone. 

Estela — Nay, mercy ! do not separate us. 

Montes — Pshaw ! What know I of mercy ; save your 
breath. If on the expiration of a year you return not Avith 
the ransom, your son shall yield his life as forfeit. 

Alvarez — I'll not leave him. 

Montes — I will force you hence. My men shall drag you 
to the vessel, and set sail. Ho, without ! 

Alvarez— Holdil Send for your men and I will struggle 
so, they needs must slay me. 



27 

Montes — If you resist, think of the vengeance I will visit 
on your son. 

Alvarez — Are you a man? 

Montes — Aye! but one of iron, without a single throb of 
pity in my heart. 

Alvarez— ^uch. men are not born. 

Montes — I am one, I tell you, so take leave at once of that 
toy, or bauble, or gewgaw, whatever you may please to call 
him, and embark without a moment's loss of time. 

Alvarez — 'Tis useless. I swear it from my soul, the 
money has not been left in Spain. 

Montes — Then you have it stowed away on board the 
Nuevo Mundo. Speak ! where you have concealed it ? 

Alvarez— It was hidden by the captain. 

Montes — You play with me, I'll have your son lashed and 
scorched upon his naked back before your eyes, what, ho ! 

Alvarez — Heaven support me and send me courage ! 

[Enter Eamon Vega and the two guards.] 

^«feZa— Father, farewell my father I have the means ta 
foil this merciless man. (Takes dagger from her breast). 
Give me your hasty blessing, ere I die. 

Alvarez — My own Estela, light of my eyes, what would 
you have me do ? 

Estela — Be steadfast to your oath ! 

Alvarez — By God's holy law I've sworn to guard my 
trust. To hundreds of our suffering race, it is the last hopel 
that's left. I cannot betray it, though we perish. 

Estela— HhiGJi let us perish. (About to stab herself, Tala- 
vera wrests the dagger from her hand). Oh ! unkind ! un- 
kind ! 

Alvarez— (Y:o Montes). Stay your ruthless hand, I will 
yield the fortune. 

Montes— Oh. ! I thought your mind would alter ; Talavera, 
stay and guard the boy ; Ramon, follow with the slave. 

Montes exits, followed by Alvarez, guarded by 
Vega and the two guards. 



28 

Estela — Alas ! his firmness could endure no more. Here 
<;omes poor little Duende, the Carib maiden. 

[Enter Duende]. 

Talavera — Not poor, but happy, she lives among the band 
in better state than any of her people. What has little 
Duende to care for ? 

Duende — In my savage state I cared for nothing, but 
since I have been told of those great countries where you 
came from, my heart longs to see them. 

Talavera-— \Vh&X ! would you leave this comfortable for- 
tress? These hills you ro im about in perfect freedom, 
these smiling waters you skim over in your light bark, with 
.such fearless ease ? 

Dutnde — What was at first a smouldering ember has be- 
come a mighty flame ; often have I passed away the day 
listening to the tales of those strange lands the lady Mon- 
ies never tires speaking to me of. Is it any wonder for curi- 
osity to grow with learning ? 
' Talavera — But you are happy here ? 

Duende — No, I am not happy, for I no longer feel con- 
tent. 

Estela — The knowledge she has gained of better things 
makes her wish for their possession. 

Duende — Ere I would live again, as when the Lady Mon- 
ies found me, a captive in my native village and purchased 
me for her slave, I'd welcome death. 

Estela — So the human heart forever longs for better than 
it has. 

Duende — And are you both from Spain? 

Estela — Yes, good Duende. 

Duende — Then tell me. (Takes roll of paper from her 
bosom). Here is what you call a picture, is it not? 

[Showing it.] 

-Talavera — That is right, Duende ; this is a picture. 
Duende — And these people, they are in the street or 
square of one of those great cities, the Lady Montes has 
told me of. 



29 

Talavera — You are right, and here are great houses built 
of heavy stone and rising high as this tower in the air. 

Diiende — But why is this one figure chained to the post, 
with lighted fagots all around him ; are they burning him 
alive ? 

Talavera — (Sadly). Yes, Duende. 

Estela — It is the picture of the dreadful Act of Faith. 

I Covers her face with her hands.] 

Duende — And so they have this custom also in that gentle 
country, the Lady Montes so warmly praises ? 

Talavera — At the present time they have, good Duende, 
but it was not always so. 

Duende — That's strange, for speaking to me of my race, 
she told me the people in her land turned faint with horror, 
when they heard we cooked our captives; and this same one, 
will all these people, feast upon him when he is burned ? 

Estela — Peace, good Duende, my flesh creeps to hear you, 
though you speak in innocence. 

Talavera — Nay, these people do it not for the love of in- 
flicting torture, it is all owing to a faulty reasoning, which 
Heaven in its own time will remedy. 

[Estela goes sadly to one side.] 

Duende — Ah ! how I should like to visit Spain. 

Talavera — You can never hope to do it with your mis- 
tress. 

Duende — Not visit it with her ? Why, she has promised me 
this very day to take me there when she returns. 

Talavera — Which will be never. 

Duende — Never ! Why, it is her constant dream. 

Talavera — Doomed to disappointment, her husband dare 
not show his face among these people, for he has disobeyed 
their laws and treasonably attacked their flag, and if they 
lay hands upon him they will take his life. 

Duende — Can this be true ? 

Talavera — As sure as you are standing here ; still there's 
a way, Duende, for you to visit Spain. 



30 

Duende - Oh ! name it. 

Talavtra — It is your custom, when the mood is ou you, to 
wander off among ths hills and live in your little bush huts 
for days, and you are never missed. 

Duende -Ay ! for I am restless and cannot live here al- 
ways, I must see something new, be ever moving. 

Talavera— And I have seen how fearlessly you sail your 
boat upon the harbor. 

Duende — Upon the harbor ! Nay ! I have sailed as far as 
Santa Cruz and back, all by myself. 

Tcdavera —And know you the way to that Island further 
West, whose hills faintly break against the liorizon. 

Duende — I can find it. That is what Lady Montes calls 
Porto Eico. 

Tcdavera — The same ! the very same ! Now if you could 
coast the island in your bark until you reach San Juan, you 
will see there many Spaniards and ships just like the 
Nuevo Mundo, which lies moored at the foot of this same 
cliff. Speak to the people in our tongue and ask for the Gov- 
ernor. That done, give him this letter. 

[Takes paper out and writes.] 

Duende--! will do it, I do not fear the journey in the 
least, but how will this ? 

Talavera — The Governor will send a vessel here that will 
take us all to that marvellous country for which you long, 
the Lady Montes, you and all of us here, but not her hus- 
band. 

Duende — I care not, because I hate him ; when sh,e was 
not around he has oft' treated me with roughness and 
even struck me. I love her, but I would as soon see him 
dead. 

Talavera — Embark then, to-night, when all is still. 

Duende — I will go at once into the forest and wait till 
dark ; no one shall see the point from which I leave the 
Island. 

[Exits.] 



31 

Talavera — One more venture launched. 

Enter Evaristo Obregon, carrying a large bundle 
of soiled clothing on his back. 

Obregon — Maledictions on the work, say I, accursed be the 
man who first invented washing. 

Talavera — This is the slave to whom I've taken such a 
fancy ; well, did you eat the bread ? 

Obregon — Eight quickly, and by now 'tis well digested ; 
but I saved the paper. 

Talavera — And you read it ? Fear nothing, we are alone, 
except the girl, who is a friend. 

Obregon —I see no girl, oh ! you moan that lad yonder, 
he is fair enough to be a girl indeed, but that is nothing. 
Bough man as I look, I am counted no better than a wo- 
man. 

Talavera — In what respect? 

Obregon — See you not that they have turned me into a 
washerwoman. If I have not this bundle washed by sunset, 
no breakfast for me to-morrow. 

Taloyera — This must, indeed, be maddening to a man of 
spirit. 

Obregon — Ah ! I had lost hope, until I picked that paper 
from the bread, or rather I should say coughed it up, for it 
was well nigh swallowed, had not Amador delivered me a 
slap, right smartly, 'twixt the shoulders, down it would have 
gone, and the secret locked within me ; still, 'twas a clever 
trick, a very clever trick. 

Talavera — And when the proper time arrives you will 
lend your aid ? 

Obregon — Aye, if you will promise one thing ? 

Talavera — And that is ? 

Obregon — Should we slaves o'ercome the pirates, that 
villain, Eamon Vega, shall be my prisoner. 

Talavera — 'Tis a bargain, but what will you do with him ? 

Obregon — Fasten one end of an iron chain around his 
ankle, like they do prisoners in the chain gang, only in- 
stead of a ball at the other end I'll fasten a washtub and 



32 

a big bundle of soiled clothing ; .well, farewell, we must 
not be seen in conversation. 

Talavera — I will find an opportunity to speak in pri- 
vate. 

Ohregon—Goxmi on my aid in anything; accursed be 
the man who first invented washing. 

[Exits, hauling out bundle.] 
Enter Montes, Vega, Alvarez and two guards 
bearing chest, they place chest on stage, down 
front ; enter Angelina Montes. Alvarez stag- 
gers to Estela. 

ilibwies— (Dropping on his knees before chest and wrench- 
ing open the cover). At last! At last! (To Angelina). 
Now you shall have your heart's desire, the wealth is 
mine and we will hence. 

Angelina — Forever from these scenes of horror, oh joy ! 
joy ! for that. 

Estela— My father, all is then taken? 

Alvarez— All that I had saved for thee, Estela. We are 
penniless Our private wealth I have yielded up. 

Estela — But that held in sacred trust ? 

Alvarez — Eemains save within the Nuevo Mundo's hold. 

Estela — My noble father. 

Montes takes out two bags from chest, opening 
one and letting the coin run through his 
fingers. 

Montes — Onzas of gold, every one of them. How many, 
Jew, does each bag contain ? 

Alvarez — Each a thousand onzas. 

Montes (dropping bag) — And is this the wealth report has 
likened to a sum five times as great ? Cunning wretch \ 
You have concealed it in more than one place. 

Alvarez— 1 swear this is all my wealth. I claim at your 
hands that freedom promised on its surrender. 

3Iontes- — Hope you to purchase freedom with such a trifle ? 
Not you alone shall work until the flesh drop from your 



33 

bones, but your son shall be stripped of his fine feathers, 
and clad as a slave — wear out his life upon the beach. 

Angelina — Nay, Montes, thy compact ! 

Alvarez — It will naught suffice to further torture me. You 
are possessed of all I have on earth. 

Montes — You cannot deceive me, for I will rend assunder 
board by board the Nuevo Mundo until nothing but her ribs 
are left. Thus will I drag the rest of this great fortune to 
the light ; but for your vile effort at deception you and your 
son shall w^ork as slaves never worked before. (Pointing to 
Estela.) Tear from his body those gaudy trappings, and 
thrust them both without the tower. 

Talavera (whispering quickly in Estela's ear as guards 
advance to obey) — Plead to the lady. 

Estela rushes to Angelina, pursued by the slaves. 
Angelina stretches out her arms to protect 
her. Talavera puts out his foot, as if accident- 
ally, tripping up foremost guard. 

Estela — Save me ! save me ! I am a woman as thou art. 
Curtain. 



34 

ACT III — Scene : Plateau on the Mountain, at the 
Back of which a Peactical Eocky Eminencje 
suemounted by a Geoss. Slaves at Woek 

5 

AMONG them MaUEICIO AlvAEEZ, WHO STANDS 
ON ONE SIDE LOOKING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN 
EVAEISTO ObEEGON AND IGNACIO AmADOE. 

Obregon — This fellow gives us hope of freedom. 

Amador — Aye, and hope of vengeance also. If I could 
only fasten tliese ten fingers in the shaggy locks of that 
brutal overseer Eamon and tug away until his head parted 
from his body. 

Obregon — Hope it not ; his punishment I will inflict. He 
is to be my prisoner. 

Amador— liia.y, but you will grant me a tug or two to wipe 
out old scores. 

Obregon — Aye, you may have them, but wrench not his 
head off 

Amador — And wherefore '^ 

Obregon — Because I reserve a punishment, a tthe sight of 
which all the known torments of Hades will pale with envy . 

Amador — Ah ! If I only get the chance, how much there 
is to settle with this villain. 

Obregon — No doubt, you have much to complain of, but 
contrast my state at home with my present condition. True, 
I was not wealthy, but I did man's work. 

Amador — And had, no doubt, a passing good respect for 
yourself. 

Obregon — No sooner was I captured than they chained me 
to the washtub. 

Amador — And bade you wash some forty of their reeking 
pieces. You have told the story often. 

Obregon — Maledictions on them, this was not all. I failed 
by some five pieces, and in return 

Amador — Eeceived as many lashes. See how well I 
know. 

Obregon — I claim no unclean habits, but I have registered 
an oath that if ever I live again, with beings that are 
civilized, I'll wear no clean clothes. 



3,5 

Amador — Not if they can be had without the washing. 

Ohregon — Aye ! Then, perhaps ; not otherwise. My 
heart would melt at the sight of a woman at her tub. 

Amador — Well, reserve your spite until the time arrives 
to vent it properly. 

[Enter Eoberto Talavera.] 

Ohregon — Here comes our valiant leader. 

Talavera — I have prevailed on Eamon to let me play 
overseer a while. He likes not the neighborhood of the 
cross, and halts lower down the mountain 

Ofiregrow— Have you any further plans to make known to 
us? 

Talavera — I have not told you that 1 sent away the little 
Carib slave for help. 

Amador — What ! The child Duende '? 

Talavera — Nay, she is no child. 

Ohregon — Nor yet a woman. But where have you sent 
her ? 

Talavera— 'Yo the Governor of Porto Kico. 

Amador — Alas ! Alas ! 

Ohregon — 'Tis useless. Heaven is against us ; there is 
no escape. 

Amador — We are doomed. 

Talavera — Why, what is this ? Was not the move a good 
one? 

Ohregon — Think you this vile band could flourish here were 
not the Governor of Porto Eico made purposely blind to it ? 

Amador — Know you not that Montes pays him well to 
'^ take no notice of his actions ? 

i Talavera — Then I have made a move that but doubles our 
'danger. 

Ohregon — How long ago was this ? 

Talavera — 'Tis now four days. 

Amador — And doubtless, poor little Duende has by force 
been carried to the mines, to toil her life away. 

Talavera — 'Tis monstrous. 

Ohregon — What is to be done ? The Governor may make 



36 

report of this to Montes, and then your life will be in 
danger. 

Talavera — I placed not all my hopes upon this plan. I 
have done good work, whilst others slept. 

Amador — In what way ? 

Talavera — I have hid within the grass, around the foot of 
yonder cross, a dozen axes that I stole from those, who fell 
trees on this mountain spur. 

Obregon — Ah ! more mischief still. 

Amador — We both received a dozen lashes for losing 
those same axes. 

Talavera — They were the only weapons I could lay my 
hands upon. 

Obregon — Well, go on. 

Amador — 'Ne\eT mind the lashes. 

Talavera— 1 secretly took a boat from off the beach, which 
now lies moored among the reeds at the foot of this same 
cliff. 

Obregon — And what's your purpose in this ? 

Talavera— With, that we'll risk the passage to Santa 
Cruz. 

Amador— And when shall we attempt it? 

Talavera — The time is not far off, for I have gained Ea- 
mon, the overseer's, good will. Some night I'll play the 
jailor in his stead, and release all from their cells. That 
done, we will meet at this spot. 

Amador — But wherefore make not the attempt at once ? 

2 alavera — Have you forgotten the promise made me to 
succor the lady and her father ? 

OSregfo/i— Nay, that we have not, and will stand by it, as 
truly as you stand by us. 

[Alvarez comes forward.] 

Alvarez— 1 fear your plans are visionary, and further 
plotting useless. 

Talavera — I shall not cease from trying until you are 
free, or I am dead. 



37 

Obregon— Once ralliea round the cross the band will 
not pursue us. 

Talavera — Even if Montes and one or two others of the 
bravest overcome their superstition enough to make them 
hazard it. 

Alvarez— But cooped upon this summit how shall we 
live 

Talavera — The mountain looking on the sea is broken in- 
to ledges, by the aid of ropes, which I have concealed al- 
ready behind the cross ; we can lower ourselves from ledge 
to ledge until we reach the foot. 

Alvarez — And have you warned my girl? 

Talavera — I have told your daughter to be prepared 
upon an instant's notice, to follow me where I shall lead her. 

Amador — So be it your care to bring her safely here 
amongst us. 

Obregon — Eamon ascends the pathway ! 

Talavera — Quick ! where is the whip ? It grieves me, 
thus painfully to dissemble, but we must play well our 
parts, if we would live again with Christians. (Assuming a 
gruff tone and cracking whip he picks from off the ground). 
Hey ! thou lazy varlet ! you have been an hour chopping 
down that tree and should have had a hundred logs rolled 
in the valley. Work, I tell you, or I'll crease your body 
with the lash. (Cracks whip at them, they all caper about, 
seeming suddenly engaged in work, rolling logs across the 
stage, etc). Enter Eamon Vega. 

Fega — Ha ! ha ! You make a capital overseer indeed. 
I warrant me they had no breathing time, whilst I was gone. 

Talavera — I made the sweat of labor pour from off 
their brows. I tell you, you are by far too mild ; were I 
their jailer I would force the music of their groans from 
them. 

Veya — I warrant me you would. (Taking whip.) Hence, 
curs ! Dogs, begone ! I need you on yonder crest awhile. 

[Snapping whip at them, and driving slaves before 
him.] 



38 

Quick ! for your lives ! 

As slaves are driven out, Alvarez reels and falls 
unperceived behind a rock. Exit Talavera 
and Vega following slaves. Enter from op- 
posite side, Estela in woman's clothes and 
Angelina. 

Angelina — You come here to cull the flowers, you say.. 
Is it not because your father works upon the mountain? 

Estela — Aye ! you guess shrewdly. Since I am denied 
the happiness of speaking with him, I may at least look 
from afar. 

Angelina — If I could contrive to have him meet you, I 
would, with pleasure do so, and leave you awhile to- 
gether. 

Estela- y^ovld you, indeed. Do you not fear we would 
attempt escape ? 

Angelina — Nay, you know I saved you from my hus- 
band's wrath, by swearing I would ever keep watch, and 
prevent your eluding him. You will not get me into 
trouble ? 

Estela, — What ! Kepay your kindness with ingratitude ? 
Oh, not for all the world. 

Angelina — I trust you. The slaves will come this way 
again, and then you will have the chance of seeing your 
father. I hope it will be soon; the air is dense and still;, 
denoting sudden change. I fear one of those storms which 
at this season sweep down upon us so unexpectedly. I will 
ascend to the Befuge until you call me. 

Estela — Stay, Angelina ! sister ! as you have bade me call 
you when we were alone together. 

Angelina — Well, Estela ? 

Estela — Tell me, had you the chance to leave this place^ 
with all its dismal recollections, would you do so ? 

Angelina— Under certain conditions. It is my constant 
prayer that such a chance will offer. 

Estela — But suppose, that of ycur family in Spain there 
was one brave heart, who, though he never saw you, was 



39 

moved by chivalry to risk his life to find and take you from 
this place ? 

Angelina — If he found me, I would show by every means 
T could my lasting gratitude, but who can explain the deep, 
inscrutable ways of God, who led me to this place, to save 
perhaps a human soul by winning it to repentance. 

Estela — That means, my sister, that you would not leave 
your husband. 

Angelina — You have understood me. Ten years we have 
lived together for better or for worse, and while I have tried 
to balance his bad acts by good, and know the hideous color 
of his deeds, since it has pleased Heaven to cast our lot to- 
gether, 1 will not desert him. 

Estela — Oh, Angelina ! 

Angelina — I will leave you now, and when you have seen 
your father, call me from the foot of the Refuge. 

Angelina and Estela walk to the foot of 
eminence, which former mounts, disappearing 
behind the cross 

Estela — Oh, what a fate for such a noble heart ! 

[She turns to come down stage as Talavera enters front.] 

Talavera — Thou here 'I 

Estela — Am I not welcome here, or do I aifright thee with 
my presence ? 

Talavera — Not so, but when I stand before you, vain, vain 
regrets o'erwhelm my sinking soul, and tempt me to beseech 
of Heaven an end of all my misery. 

Estela — And if you do, I will beg at once of Heaven to 
deny it thee. You know I place all hopes of deliverance in 
you, and if you die, where then, would be my hope ? 

Talavera — I had the power to save you from this place, 
and wilfully neglected it. 

Estela— 'Naj, you were moved with feelings of the highest 
nature, and I blame thee not for my position. 

Talavera — Ah, what would I not dare for thee ! Danger 
in any form or shape- Strong as I am, I have not the power 
to conceal my heart. 1 am mad ! crazed ! unhappy ! repent- 



40 

ant ! and all because I love thee dearer than my live, and see 
the abyss that yawns between us. 

Estela — A gap so wide, that this passion is a misery to 
both. 

Talavera — At least, your heart, like that of mine, is 
swayed by nature, and the echo of my love is sounded 
there. 

Estela — Ah, brave gentleman ! could I but make thee 
happy, I would give my life to do it. 

Talavera — And yet one little word can do it, which word 
you will not utter ; and yet, I feel that magnetism, which 
tells me I have gained your love. Am I not right ? 

Estela— Aje, I love thee. 

Talavera — Sweet Estela ! 

Estela — But a barrier so great divides us. 

Talavera — I will know it, and try to overcome it. Tell me 
what it is ? 

Estela — Turn, as it were, thine eyes towards the country 
we have left ; see how my unhappy people burrow in dark 
cellars, like rabbits in their holes ; see how they shun their 
fellow men, as guilty souls shrink from the light ; see how 
the sod of Spain is tinged with their blood, and how the 
dreadful Inquisition threatens to grind out the life of man, 
and woman, and child, if they dare to openly obey the dic- 
tates of their conscience. All, all too ! in the name of Him 
who preached only of charity and good will. 

Talavera — But I am not to blame for this. 

Estela — Nay, I blame thee not, but I must cling to them 
in their dark hour, and become a mother amongst my 
people. We have given to the world a Saviour, and are re- 
quited with merciless persecution. 

Talavera — Can I not join, and risk with thee the fury of 
thy persecutors ? 

Estela — Thine own race are possessed of women unrivalled 
for their goodness, who have in them the power to weld by 
infinite charm the character and the fortune of man Seek 
one from amongst them to walk through life with thee. 



41 

Talavera — Think you the heart can be controlled thus 
lightly, to bid it fasten its aflfections at it owner's will ? 
Nay, the fire of love leaps swiftly, and with overwhelming 
force, taking possession ere you can guard against its sweet 
assault. To wrest thine image from my heart, would leave 
its soil so barren, no seeds of love could flourish there 
again. 

Estela — Nay, love is never wasted. Be it futile, the power 
remains to soften and refine the heart that suffers. ! love 
thee with equal warmth, and must suffer as you do, and still 
I force myself, in obedience to a higher duty, to tell thee, 
that night and morn I'll beseech God's mercy on your wel- 
fare, but I can never wed thee. 

Mauricio Alvarez, who during the conversation 
has recovered and been a listener to it, now 
comes forward with a feeble step. 

Alvarez — Estela, my daughter 1 

Estela — Father, my beloved father ! 

Talavera — How came you here, sir % 

Alvarez — I fell exhausted, and Eamon drove past the 
other slaves without perceiving me. (To Estela.). I saw 
thee coming up the mountain with that noble friend, the 
Lady Montes. Ah ! how my greedy eyes devoured thy fair 
form, my daughter ; how my trembling arms longed to en- 
fold thee in this embrace. 

Estela — And you have overheard my frank confession ? 

Alvarez — I have, and also beheld your strength of purpose, 
and adherence to our law, I blame you not, Eoberto, for 
loving her. Who could see her pure face, and know her 
woman's heart, and not desire to link their lives with hers ? 

Talavera — Ah ! who, indeed ? And those who once loving 
her, and are refused that happy privilege, are consigned for 
ever to the shades of melancholy. 

Alvarez — Say not that, for I do grieve for you, as though 
you were a son, and to see you happy is to be so myself. 
(To Estela.) Perhaps, child, your mind may alter as re- 
gards Koberto ? 



42 

Talavera — Urge not her noble .spirit from its bent. I 
am at least a man and will not plead for that which is 
denied me, and so to wrest the subject from my mind let 
me tell you that your treasure is safe. 

Alvarez — Safe ! the treasure safe ! 

Talavera — Stealing on board the Nuevo Mundo in the 
dead of night, I sawed from its hiding place the chest, con- 
taining the ten bags of gold, that cause you so much anx- 
ious care. 

Alvarez — And now, where are they now ? 

Talavera — Buried at the foot of yonder cross. 

Alvarez — Brave friend, I owe you more than life. Estela, 
child, he has saved our race, how shall we reward him ? 

Talavera — The reward I look for is to see you and your 
daughter safe again ; what becomes of me, I care not ; but 
conceal this weapon on your person ; this very night shall 
we attempt escape, and it may be of service to you. (Draws 
dagger from his belt, and gives it to Mauricio. During con- 
versation, Stage becomes darker gradually, and distant 
thunder is heard, growing nearer every moment). 

Alvarez — {Goncealmg weapon in his breast.) God grant 
our plans may thrive, but I fear, indeed, my strength is 
going. 

Estela— Have courage yet awhile, my father. 

Alvarez — My many trials, fast hurry me to my un- 
timely end. 

Estela — Live for my sake, and for the fulfillment of thy 
trust. 

Talavera — Once away from this vile hole, your courage 
will revive. 

JEdda — Oh, Heaven ! If any life is needed as a sacri- 
fice for our escape, take mine, I implore thee. 

Alvarez— ^&j, who would not rather see the blossom 
ripen to a flower, to yield the earth fresh blossoms. 

Estela — Life, to me, without your presence would be 
valueless. 

Alvarez — I can die at peace, leaving thy dear self to fill 



43 

whatever gap 1 make ; this faintness comes on me again. 
Eoberto support me ! 

Keels. Talavera supports him. He sinks in a 
sitting posture on a rock. 

Talavera — Courage ! Courage ! 

Alvarez — Oh ! how can I ever tell thee, my beloved 
child, what most I would desire, being so contrary to what 
I always bade thee '? 

Esttla — My father, your desires are laws to me. 

Alvarez — And, therefore, the duty that I owe to thee, is 
a thousand times more binding ; perhaps I cannot stay to 
guide thy footsteps on this fleeting earth, but I would 
leave thee happy. 

Estela — What would you have me do? 

Alvarez — We stand upon the threshold of a new world. 
Shall we bring to it the prejudices that have made the 
old a place of such torment ? 

Estela — I do not understand you, father. 

Alvarez—ThoA, noble symbol, too oft, alas ! the subject 
of a sneer from our race, rears its proud form as guar- 
dian to my trust. 

Estela — Of what do you speak? 

Alvarez — The holy cross, for here its purposes are holy,, 
the one spot in all this isle where the persecuted can find 
a refuge. 

Talavera — Standing alike, for those of any creed. 

Alvarez- -And then, this noble follower of the cross, my 
brave Eoberto, dear child of nature, with a heart of 
love for all his fellow men, does he not risk his life, for 
those of our race, who wait at home, with trembling eager- 
ness, for a summons to this land of promise ? 

Estela — Aye ! he is noble in thought and deed. 

Alvarez — And does he not love thee. Speak again, Eo- 
berto. Do you not love Estela ? 

Talavera — With all the power of my soul, 

Alvarez — And while thou livest, she shall never want for 
a protector ? 



44 

Talavera—li Heaven will only let me ever dwell by her 
side, she shall not. 

Alvarez — Then, Estela, turn not from him, on account of 
faith, but join your life with his, and strengthen thus the 
kin of all humanity. 

Estela — My father ! Can you weaken my already fal- 
tering heart, by such sweet advice. 

Alvarez — Advice, which is the fruit of earnest thought, 
Estela ! 

Estela — But our suffering people, how can I reconcile my 
heart to this desertion ? 

Alvarez — Has not Eoberto saved for them, much more 
than you could give, by simply joining life with one, your 
heart belonging to another ? 

Estela — Aye ! in saving you, he has. 

Alvarez — The treasure ! Have you forgotten ? He has at 
his most serious peril, taken from the galleon, and brought 
it here. 

Estela — Brave Eoberto ! 

Alvarez — One word from him, and that rock of hope for 
our race would have been shattered into pieces ; but the 
sun is getting low, and clouds are gathering. No more at 
present. Eoberto, see her safely to the castle. 

Talavera — Leave her to my care. 'Twere well you joined 
the others 'ere you are missed. 

Alvarez — We must be careful how we meet, for since 
that day my wealth was wrung from me, and Estela made 
known her sex, I have been constantly dogged by the cruel 
Montes. Farewell. 

Talavera — Eemember, to-night we make the attempt. 

Alvarez — I leave all to you. Farewell, Estela. Think on 
what I have said to thee. 

Estela — I will, my father. 

Alvarez about to go, when Montes steps sudden- 
ly from behind the rocks into his path. 
Montes — Stay, Jew. 
Talavera — Montes ! 



45 

Monies — Aye ! Montes, traitor. I can play the spy as 
Avell as leader. 

Estela — God be merciful ! 

3Iontes — I have overheard your entire conversation ; so 
you had hopes of deceiving me, eh ? The wealth already 
yielded up was not all. I thought it smaller than report 
had made it ; and, therefore, kept you still a captive await- 
ing such a chance. 

Alvarez — Lost ! all lost ! 

Montes — Ha ! Ha ! it lies buried near the cross, eh ! 
Good! 

Talavera — Despicable hound ! We are alone ; draw and 
defend yourself. 

[Draws sword.] 

Montes — Not yet. 

[Blows whistle. Guards armed with spears, rush in.] 

Alvarez — All lost ! Close to my side, Estela. 

Montes (to Talavera) — I am not alone, and for your 
treachery, upon the barbican in chains I'll hang you, and 
let the vultures glut their appetite upon your flesh. 

Enter Eamon Vega, driving slaves before him. 

Talavera — The slaves returning ! Then there's hope. 

Montes (to Alvarez) — As for your lily-faced daughter, 
whom my weak-hearted consort prevailed on me to spare — 
ha ! ha ! — I'll give her to my faithful overseer Ramon for 
wife. Eamon, seize on the woman ; she is yours. 

[Lightning becomes more vivid.] 

Alvarez — Eoberto, guard her. (Yields Estela quickly to 
Talavera, and takes a step or two towards Montes, feeling 
for dagger in his sack) Ah, Heaven sends succor ! Behold 
a fleet of vessels flying the English flag, makes for the har- 
bor. We are saved ! 

[Points suddenly to harbor.] 

ilEfowte«— Maledictions ! Where ? 



46 

[Turns his head to look. Alvarez draws dagger quickly, 
and stabs him. He falls on his knees.] 

Monies — Undone ! Vengeance has overtaken me at last, 
but you shall perish as I do. On men ! Fear not the 
Eefuge — idle tales — a dying man refutes them — dig — dig — 
for the treasure. Oh, I am lost ! Eamon, avenge me. Seize 
the woman ! Guards, hurl them from the cliff ! 

Writhes upon the ground. Guards, headed by 
Vega, advance to seize Talavera and Alvarez. 

Talavera — Fly ! Fly to the cross for aid. 

Estela hesitates a second, looking towards her 
father, who points up the ascent. They rush 
up to the cross, followed by the slaves, who 
pick axes from the ground, and raise them in 
defence. 

Monies (clinging to rocks, and drawing himself up) — They 
think we fear the Eefuge. Prove that ye are men but once 
again. Support me, and I'll lead. 

Eamon and a guard support him. They level 
their spears, and advance. The storm rages. 
Angelina Montes, heavily veiled in white, 
steps from behind the cross, and stretches out 
her arms. The lightning flashes on her. 

Vega — Fly ! Fly, men ! It is the spirit of the cross. 

Guards exit precipitately. Eamon Vega pauses to 
lay the fainting form of Montes on the ground, 
and is swooped down upon by Amador and 
Obregon, who haul him down front Angelina 
kneels by her husband, and raises his head 
tenderly. The storm passes away gradually. 

Ohregon (striking Eamon Vega) — That is for the blow yoii 
gave me yesterday. 

Amador — I have sworn to pluck out your hair. Take 
that ! (Tugs at his hair.) 



47 

Vega — Mercy ! Spare me ! 

Ohregon — Aye ! We'll spare you, to wash the clothes of 
every sailor in yon fleet, and perform what other menial task 
you have made me slave at. 

[They exit, hauling Vega with them.] 

Tcdavera — Free ! Free ! Men from the fleet are entering 
the castle. The pirates fly to the mountains. 

Alvarez — Delivered by a force of the Eeformed Church. 
We need not fear my daughter to make ourselves known. 

Estela — See ! Our noble friend weeps over the body of 
her husband. 

Alvarez — Let us not forget her goodness in the dark hour 
of her adversity. 

Estela — I will go and comfort her. 

Alvarez — Do so, while I rest myself here. I feel exhausted. 
(Sits on rock.) 

[Estela comes down to Angelina.] 

Estela — So you are the spirit of the cross ? To you we 
owe our lives. Would then, that none of mine had visited 
sorrow on you 

Angelina— 1 had hoped in time to wean him from this 
place, and live in honor once again at home, but Heaven's 
ways are Just. 'Tis better that he die thus, than perish on 
the gibbet. 

Estela— ~^hj weep you so bitterly, then? 

Angelina — Alas ! In a vale amongst she mountains, 
screened from view, is our child's grave. In that we had a 
mutual sorrow, and a tie that knit our lives together. 

Duende enters hurriedly. Talavera runs to her, 
placing his finger on his lips to caution silence. 
They go aside. 

Duende — I was picked up by an English ship, ere I had 
been six hours at sea. 

Talavera — And why did you not come sooner ? 

Duende— Tlh.ej read my letter, but could not understand 
the language, but as it was Spanish, they kept me prisoner. 



48 

Talavera — True ! England is at war with Spain, and, no 
doubt, Porto Kico is to be attacked. 

Duende — We sailed about for three days, until joined by 
other ships. A Spanish prisoner on one of them read the 
letter, and told its meaning, and they sailed towards this 
Island. The castle is taken ! 

Talavera — Aye, and your cruel master dead ; but never let 
your mistress know what part you have taken in this bloody 
work, or she will hate you. 

Duende — Never ! But shall we not have the chance now 
to live in Spain ? 

Angelina (crying out) — Oh ! let not his body suffer base 
indignity ; his crimes are atoned by death. I would bury 
him in secret, and pray over his grave. If captured by the 
enemy, this will be denied me. 

Estela-^-S^hdbi can be done ? 

Angelina (to Estela) — To you I look for aid. Remember 
what you owe to me. 

Estela — Eoberto, aid her in her wish, ere the English 
seize his body. 

Talavera — I cannot. 'Twere a mockery to grant him holy 
burial. 

Estela — I implore you ! 

Talavera — Nay, ask it not. If this were done, there is no 
virtue in the peace the grave grants an honest man. 

Estela — Roberto, through the grief-stricken heart that be- 
moans his death courses the same blood as your own. 

Talavera — What mean you by that, Estela ? 

Estela — That stricken woman, is your cousin ! 

Talavera — God ! I have suspected it. 

Estela— Yor whom you risked your life ! 

Talavera — Most undeservedly ; had she retained her 
honor, or lost it opposing, with her might, the savage ruf- 
fian, I could have felt for her ; but to mix her blood with 
such 

Estela — Peace, Roberto ! Had we not met her here, what 
would have been my fate ? 



4d 

Talavera — Had she not been here, no more would we. 

Estela — Roberto, I have looked upon you as a hero ; 
stain not your noble manhood with this cruelty. 

Talavera — This is not cruelty, but justice. Think of the 
torture I have suffered, when I have seen the thickening 
dangers, gathering around you, and I, suffering with you in 
spirit, and standing by so helpless. 

Estela — If, for the love of me, you feel this vengeance, 
then, for that love, I ask you to forego it. 

Talavera — I yield, Estela, for your sweet sake, I'll aid 
her, but she must know nothing of the fact, that I am her 
cousin. 

Estela — Why not, Roberto ! 

Talavera —Let it be as secret as the grave. She can then 
return to Spain, and live without the fear of any one who 
knows her history. 

Estela— YleW thought of, on your part, Roberto ! 

Talavera — (To the slaves). Men, I have given you free- 
dom ; do now, what I ask of you. 

Slave — Speak ! We will do anything you ask. 

Talavera — Bear the body to the summit, and lower it gently 
in the boat ; use the sling I had prepared for the lady. 
Duende, come here ! 

Vicende — What can I do ? 

Talavera — But one thing more is required of you. 

Duende — And that is— ? 

Talavera — Sail with your mistress and her husband's body 
to Santa Cruz, through the narrow channel to the West, 
where the English cannot see you. In a few days you will 
have a ship there, bound for Spain. 

Duende — Anything for the Lady Montes. 

Slaves bear Montes body up the ascent, followed 
by Angelina, Estela, Duende and Talavera. 

Angelina — Farewell, Estela ! Pray for your unhappy sis- 
ter, who shall ever think of you. 



■ 50 

JEstela — Farewell forever, Angelina, and may Heaven 
shower on you all its richest blessings. 

They embrace. Slaves, Angelina and Duende 
disappear behind the cross. Talavera and 
Estela join hands, and come slowly towards 
Mauricio Alvarez. 

Estela — Ah ! I hope this is the last sad parting for this 
day. 

Talavera — It all depends on you, Estela. Shall I return 
to Spain, or cast my fortune with you in Guiana ? 

Estela — If my lips could only frame the words, my heart 
urges them to frame ! 

Talavera — Eemember what thy father said, let not the 
prejudice of the Old infect us in the New World. Come, 
now, your answer. 

Estela — Then let my father answer. 

Talavera — (Rising with sudden vigor). As your hands 
are joined, so too, join your hearts and lives. The lesson 
of this bappy hour is the potency of love, above all 
thiags human in this fleeting life. Implanted in our hearts 
by the Creator, to stem in time, the torrent of that preju- 
dice, from which every faith in turn has suffered, and prove 
the human race kiiisiiien, with a common destiny. 

Talavera &lA Estela embrace. Alvarez raises his 
arms, outstretched above them. 

[Curtain.] 

Copyright, 1888. 

By I. WOLFF. 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 



012 071 056 




